Two legends united: Johnny Clegg and Nelson Mandela dance together on stage
Updated | By Tamlyn Canham
Johnny Clegg and Nelson Mandela shared a beautiful moment during a music concert 20 years ago.
A video of Nelson Mandela and Johnny Clegg dancing together at a 1999 concert in Frankfurt has resurfaced following the music legend's death.
Johnny was performing the anti-apartheid song, 'Asimbonanga (Mandela)', when Madiba joined him on stage.
The track, which was recorded by Johnny's multi-racial band Savuka in 1987, was well received in France, where it reached number one on the single's chart.
Mandela asked Johnny to sing the song again at the appearance in Frankfurt before walking off stage hand-in-hand.
Johnny was often praised for his "ability to unite people across the races". The South African government awarded the 'Impi' hitmaker the Order of Ikhamang (Silver) in 2012.
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The award is given to "South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism or sport. "
The French government honoured Johnny with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) in 1991.
He died on Tuesday after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. The singer was laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends on Wednesday.
The family has confirmed that a memorial service will be held in his honour.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation joined South Africans in mourning Johnny's death.
"The loss of Johnny Clegg will be felt deeply by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Johnny was a friend of the Foundation from its inception and supported many of Madiba’s projects. We will miss him and his enormous energy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and with everyone who was touched by his music."
ALSO READ: East Coast Radio Presenters bid farewell to music legend Johnny Clegg
Johnny's son Jesse took to social media on Wednesday to pay tribute to him.
"Thank you for the magical gifts you have given us and for creating a special place in your life for your family. You have inspired me both as a musician and as a man, and given me the tools to live a meaningful life. I will miss you deeply and I struggle to imagine a world without you. But I am comforted to know that your wisdom and compassion lives on in all of us. Hamba kahle dad, be at peace. You have done so much and we honor you. Love you always," he wrote.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jesse Clegg (@jesseclegg) on
ALSO READ: Celebrities pay tribute to Johnny Clegg
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